Kerry’s Blog

Who Should I Hire for Heating Repair for My Long Island Home?

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Find a Highly Qualified and Respect Local Long Island HVAC Contractor

Winter has been pretty relentless this year, and that means heating systems all over Long Island have been working extra hard to keep people comfortable. Sometimes, especially if the system is older or hasn’t received the heating maintenance it needs, heavy use can cause some wear and tear – and lead to a system breakdown. Nothing is worse than having a heating system on the fritz when the temperatures are super-chilly! If it happens to you, you might be asking yourself, “Who should I hire for heating repair for my Long Island home?” That’s why we’re sharing a few reasons that we think you should give us a call.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’re proud of the premium level of services we offer our customers. While that means that customers might not always get the lowest price from us, they’ll always get the very best service. We don’t believe in cutting corners when it comes to your home comfort, and we strive to provide exemplary service so that you and your family aren’t just comfortable in the short-term, but for years to come. But don’t just take our word for it…

Angie’s List Super Service Award

Our customers have been so satisfied with the work we’ve done for them that their ratings and references qualified us for the Angie’s List Super Service Award. That’s an honor enjoyed by less than five percent of providers rated on their site.

To Your Success

We proudly have a five-star customer satisfaction designation with this customer satisfaction company, with nearly 600 verified customer reviews.

Memberships & Certifications

We’re proud members of several business and trade organizations, including NARI LI/NYC and ACCA, as well as the Huntington Township and the New Hyde Park Chambers of Commerce. And, we’re especially proud of our NATE-certified technicians. NATE certification means that our techs are at the top of their field, and they know your heating needs go far beyond the initial installation. Additionally, we’re EPA and BPI heating-certified, so we’re committed to helping you enjoy not only better comfort – but better energy efficiency, too.

T.F. O’Brien offers the best heating repair available for your Long Island home.

Our technicians will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of the heating system in your Long Island home. Then, they’ll explain the best solution to help you get the repairs you need, making your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. And, in the unfortunate circumstance that you may have to replace your heating system, they’ll show you all the options available to you, helping you make the best choices for your home and your budget.

Don’t let a heating repair situation leave you out in the cold – let the pros at T.F. O’Brien help you get the heating repairs you need for your Long Island home. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

How Do I Know If I Need Furnace Services for My Long Island Home?

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Winter has been brutal this year, the snowy, cold weather seemingly endless. Many people have relied on their furnaces more than usual this year. That has meant that their furnaces are working overtime – and sometimes that can lead to mechanical issues, especially if the furnace hasn’t received the regular maintenance it needs. It can be a little difficult to know if you need furnace services for your Long Island home, and who’s qualified to get you the help you need.

Clearly, if you notice anything like strange odors or unusual noises like banging or grinding coming from your furnace, call us right away because those point to serious concerns. We’re sharing a few more general concerns that can point to the need for furnace services below, courtesy of ENERGY STAR.

Five Signs That You Need Furnace Services

Rising Energy Bills

This can be a tough one to recognize, especially if you’ve been running your furnace more than usual. But, if your energy bills have increased dramatically, or if you notice a spike in cost from the beginning of the season to now, you could have some mechanical concerns happening. A marked increase in energy costs that can’t be accounted for by rising prices and/or usage could indicate your equipment isn’t operating as efficiently and effectively as it should, and should probably be checked out.

Hot or Cold Spots

If some of your rooms are way too warm, but others seem chilly, this could mean your equipment is operating improperly. It could also point to other problems in your home, like ductwork concerns or poor insulation. When you call T.F. O’Brien, we’ll help you get to the root of the hot/cold spot problem.

Air Quality Problems

If you’ve noticed an increase of dust and air particles over the course of winter, it could be a sign of concern for your heating system. While it could indicate that you have leaky ductwork in areas like attics, crawl spaces or basement, there could be another problem that’s far simpler to solve. Poor indoor air quality is often a sign of a dirty filter – and that can be easily remedied. It is generally recommended that equipment filters be changed monthly during times of heavy use. You can either DIY, or give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

Unusual Dryness

Sometimes when furnace services are needed, homeowners will notice that their homes are unusually dry. Some indicators of overly dry air include itchy skin, nasal dryness, respiratory issues, creaking woodwork and furniture, and static cling. If you’re noticing a combination of these factors happening in your home, it could point to poor equipment operation, inadequately sized equipment, or ductwork concerns. 

Older Equipment

It’s just a fact – the older your furnace is, the harder it has to work to heat your home and the less efficient it is. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it could be time to start thinking about a replacement, especially if you’ve been paying a lot for repairs or your energy bills are exorbitant. Hint: you can prolong the life of your furnace by getting annual maintenance.

You can count on T.F. O’Brien if you need furnace services for your Long Island home.

Just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be more than happy to help you get the furnace services you need.

7 Reasons You Need Annual HVAC System Maintenance

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

HVAC Technician Inspects Heating and Cooling SystemHaving Regular Check Ups Improves Your HVAC System’s Health

Concerned about keeping your heating and cooling system in the best possible condition? No worries – annual maintenance can help! According to the Department of Energy, not getting system maintenance can lead to inefficiency and a steady decline in equipment performance.

 

Keeping your heating and cooling equipment well-maintained is crucial; T.F. O’Brien’s professional trained HVAC service technicians can help.

Still not sure annual HVAC system maintenance is what you need? Here are seven benefits that both your heating and cooling systems will enjoy:

1. Less worry about the safety of your HVAC system. 

Much like taking your vehicle for an annual tune-up, our technicians will inspect your entire HVAC system and equipment. They’ll check heating systems for issues like carbon monoxide, and cooling systems for refrigerant leaks. They’ll make sure electrical components are in good working order, so you can count on your system’s safety.

2. You’ll avoid an HVAC system breakdown at the worst possible time.

Maintenance keeps your heating and cooling system clean, and takes care of minor problems and repairs. Lack of cleaning and tune-up can, unfortunately, lead to a breakdown at the most inopportune time – either the coldest of winter nights, or a scorching summer day. That’s when we’re at our busiest, too, so finding immediate service can be a frustrating challenge.

3. You won’t void your HVAC system warranty.

Many manufacturers require that your heating and cooling system is regularly maintained in order to keep the warranty intact. Not getting the maintenance you need can mean you’ll be stuck with a major breakdown – and costly repairs that your warranty will no longer cover.

4. You’ll stay more comfortable all year-round.

Your home’s HVAC system needs to be at peak performance in order to keep your home toasty warm during the colder months, and cool and comfortable in the summer. With annual maintenance, you can count on better airflow. Not to mention, repairs or replacements can be made to any components not in proper working order

5. Your HVAC system will enjoy a longer life. 

When you make sure that your heating and cooling systems are properly maintained, you’re helping to ensure that they run better. Maintenance ensures a cleaned and lubricated system. It frees it of the gunk and buildup that can cause your system to run poorly. And, small issues are found and repaired easily before they cause premature system failure.

6. You’ll save money on heating and cooling. 

When you call for maintenance, part of the service includes cleaning of your system. That’s important, because when a heating or cooling system is dirty it works harder, and much less efficiently – taking more money from your wallet when it comes time to pay utility bills.

7. Your whole family will breathe easier. 

Changing the air filter is an important part of HVAC maintenance. When your system circulates air through a dirty filter, those particles make their way into the air you and your family breathe. Getting the seasonal maintenance your system needs keeps indoor air free of mold, pollen and dust.

To take advantage of all of these great benefits, and have a qualified HVAC service technician inspect your system – call T.F. O’Brien today. We look forward to helping you with your annual maintenance needs – just give our service department a call at 516-488-1800 Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm, and we’ll be happy to assist you! You can also Schedule your HVAC System Maintenance by clicking here.

 

Made for Each Other: Ductless & Converted Spaces

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Many times, homeowners decide to add to their home’s space, whether by building an addition or remodeling parts of their home that may not have been ideal living areas before. Unfortunately, often these areas don’t have access to the home’s ductwork, and adding it may be impractical or impossible. How can you get these areas of your home the climate control they need? You should know, ductless and converted spaces are made for each other!

If you’ve added to your home, or if you’ve converted a garage, attic or basement into an area for you and your family to enjoy, ductless heating and cooling can help keep that area comfortable. It both effectively heats and cools your home, so it’s perfect for year-round use. Not to mention, by keeping a consistent climate throughout your home, your main heating and cooling systems will operate more efficiently, too.

There are several benefits to installing ductless in your converted spaces.

While it goes without saying that a ductless system will make those areas of your home without ductwork more comfortable, you should know that there are other advantages to ductless as well.

  • Ductless heating and cooling is efficient. Because they use advanced heat pump technology, ductless systems offer high efficiency. As a result, they’re an extremely cost-effective choice for your space.
  • Ductless systems are quiet. These systems are made to operate so that they don’t disturb homeowners with noisy operation. Space heaters can emit a buzzing noise, and  window AC units are often loud. Conversely, ductless is whisper-quiet, so you’re able to better enjoy the comfort.
  • Heating and cooling with ductless can help with air quality. Ductless systems are made to filter the conditioned air they push out into your living space. They trap many of the particles that can get circulated through the air. As a result, ductless creates a cleaner environment with fewer allergens.
  • Ductless systems are non-obtrusive. Having your ductless system installed requires very little construction work, and you won’t have to worry about the cost and mess that comes with adding ductwork to your home. And, ductless systems are made to blend in seamlessly with virtually any home décor.

Make your converted space or addition one the whole family falls in love with this February – choose ductless heating and cooling to make it a welcoming area year round. At T.F. O’Brien, we’re happy to help you get the ductless system you need for your home. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we’ll see if ductless is the perfect match for you!

Show Your Furnace the Love This Valentine’s Day

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Valentine’s Day is all about hearts and flowers, so adding your home’s furnace into the equation might not exactly seem like the most romantic thing to do. But did you know that if you show your furnace a little love by getting it the maintenance it needs, it’ll save you money? And that’s extra money you can spend on special gifts for your Valentine!

 

Here are five ways maintenance gives your furnace the love it needs:

  • Annual maintenance helps your furnace operate more efficiently. Maintenance helps to free your furnace of dirt and debris buildup, and keeps all the moving parts well lubricated so that it runs, quite literally, like a well-oiled machine. And when it operates more efficiently, you’ll likely save money on your utility bills.
  • Maintenance can keep the need for repairs at bay. It helps catch small problems before they become larger, much more expensive issues. That’s because qualified technicians are analyzing your system on an annual basis, and can easily spot any concerns that might become bigger problems for you down the road.
  • A well-maintained furnace is a longer-lived furnace. As mentioned above, annual maintenance helps find potential problems and allows you to take care of them right away. And, maintenance keeps your furnace clean and operating efficiently, which can add to its lifespan.
  • Preventive maintenance keeps your warranty intact. You might not realize this, but chances are if you read the fine print on your equipment warranty, you’ll see that annual maintenance is required. Most manufacturers view annual maintenance as a reasonable measure the homeowner can take to keep equipment running smoothly. And, not getting maintenance may void your warranty.
  • The air in your home stays cleaner, too. One of the best ways you can help maintain your furnace is by cleaning or changing the filter when it becomes dirty. The air that flows through the filter into your home will contain fewer contaminants as a result. Not only will you breathe easier, but also your furnace will operate better when it doesn’t have to force air through a dirty filter. We’ll clean or change your filter during your annual maintenance, but ideally you should change it monthly during times of high usage.

Getting annual maintenance from T.F. O’Brien is easy.

At T.F. O’Brien, we love providing our customers with the services they need to keep their furnaces running effectively and efficiently all year long. And, showing your furnace the love it needs this winter is easy when you work with us. All you need to do is call us at 516.488.1800, or request an appointment online, and we’ll be more than happy to schedule your maintenance appointment with you.

5 Tips for Decluttering Your Home After the Holidays

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Make Your Home Ready for the New Year

The holidays have come and gone, and it’s a brand new year. Many people start off the new year by making resolutions, some for themselves, and some for their homes. If you’d like to make some home improvements in 2019, one of the best ways you can get started is by eliminating some of the clutter. It’s easy for our homes to accumulate lots of junk over the years. Sometimes we buy more than what we need. Sometimes, it’s tough to get rid of the things that are taking up space. And sometimes, we hold onto things thinking we’ll eventually use it, but that day never comes.

As a result, our homes become stuffed with “stuff” and become uncomfortable for us and our families. That’s why decluttering is so important. It not only allows us to weed out items that are no longer useful to us (and give them to those who may be able to use them), but it opens up space in our homes so that we can enjoy a better quality of life. For instance, a room that once contained storage boxes and “junk” can be repurposed into a home theater room. Or, a garage can be cleaned out so you can actually park your car in there! Getting started on decluttering your home can be tough, though.

We’re offering five easy tips that can help you get started:

  1. Take it one room at a time. Don’t get caught up in the idea that you have to declutter your whole house in a day. Take it easy and pace yourself, and you’ll do a much more thorough job and feel more accomplished as you see each space transform.
  2. Make sure you have storage containers. Nothing is worse than organizing your space, only to find you don’t have adequate storage. And, only store those things you know you’ll use again. For instance, say you’re organizing ornaments. Throw away the broken ones, give away those you don’t use, and store the ones that you’re sure will adorn your tree.
  3. Make it a feel-good venture. Sometimes kids especially don’t want to part with books, toys and clothing. If you encourage them to do so, and explain that giving these items to charitable organizations will help kids just like them in need, you’ll be creating a lifelong habit of giving. Lead by example, and show them the things you’re willing to give up, too.
  4. Follow the 12-month rule. When assessing what you need to get rid of in your home, the first thing to do is to evaluate when the last time was you used an item. If it was a year or more ago, probably you don’t need it, and should part with it.
  5. Go paperless. Many times, our homes get cluttered with mail. While we can’t keep junk mail and flyers from arriving, you can reduce the amount of mail entering your home by going paperless. Utility, credit card and insurance companies often provide a paperless choice for billing and paying, so if you can, choose that option – and keep a lot of unnecessary mail from invading your space.

Speaking of getting rid of debris in your home, have you checked your furnace filter in a while? A dirty furnace filter not only sends all sorts of dirt into the air, it also forces your equipment to run harder. And while we can’t help you with your decluttering, we can help ensure your furnace filter is fresh and clean! Just give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be happy to help meet your furnace maintenance needs.

Getting Your Home Holiday-Ready

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Enjoy the Holidays and Stay Safe!

Ready or not, here they come. That’s right, folks – the holidays are upon us. While you may be riding the struggle bus to get yourself in the mindset for the holidays and everything they entail, getting your home holiday ready is a much simpler undertaking.

Let’s start with those holiday lights. Do those endless strands of twinkling lights make you cringe as you think about what they’re going to do to your energy bill? We recommend switching over to LED lights. Of course there is an initial investment to be made but it won’t take long before they’ve already paid for themselves. Additionally, they’re more durable, don’t burn out and are much safer to use, both indoors and out, because they don’t get hot.

Speaking of safety, we would be remiss to not mention some tips to keep you and yours safe from dangers within your home this holiday season (and no, we’re not talking about the in-laws here!). On average, U.S. fire departments respond to about 50 house fires each year caused by Christmas trees. To prevent your family from becoming a negative holiday statistic we recommend keeping your tree at least three feet from all heat sources and avoid placing it in a corner at all costs. Fires that start in corners are found to spread more quickly and get hot faster than those that start in other parts of the home. You also want to be sure to keep all exits and pathways clear in the event of an emergency (a tip you can use to rationalize purchasing fewer gifts too!)

Will that jolly old elf be struggling to get down your chimney this year? He won’t if you’ve recently had it cleaned and inspected. Chimney fires account for more than 25,000 fires annually and often spread to the main structure of the home. The good, and bad, news about chimney fires is that they can be prevented with regular inspection and cleaning.

We hope that you’ve had your furnace serviced for the season but if you haven’t we recommend making an appointment to do so as soon as possible. Not only will a clean furnace run more smoothly and efficiently, but also a thorough inspection by a certified technician will allow you to identify any potential problems that you may be likely to encounter during this holiday and heating season. The last thing anyone wants this time of the year are unexpected guests and unexpected home repairs so when it comes to your heating system it is certainly better to be proactive rather than reactive. Additionally, check those smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are current and that their power supply is fresh.

Surviving the holidays is a team effort and when it comes to prepping your house, T.F. O’Brien is on your side. Give us a call today at 516.488.1800 and let us give you the gift of peace of mind this year.

Three Gifts of Home Comfort for the Person Who Has Everything

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Give the Gift of Warmth With HVAC Products

Some people are just difficult to buy for when it comes to holiday gift-giving. If you’re out of ideas, here at T.F. O’Brien has a suggestion you may not have considered – the gift of home comfort. While it may not seem like the most glamorous present you could give, it’s definitely one of the most thoughtful. Nothing says, “I love you” like a comfortable home, so when you give one of these gifts, you’re not just spending money on something that will only be enjoyed for a short time. Home comfort can be enjoyed all year long, and for years to come.

Not sure what gifts of home comfort you can give? Here are three suggestions we have for you that you can give this holiday season:

Ductless System: Maybe your loved one has a converted space that they enjoy using for hobbies or leisure, but it lacks the heating and cooling necessary to keep it comfortable all year long. When you choose to install ductless heating and cooling in that space for them, they can make use of areas like additions, converted attics or finished basements year-round.

Smart Thermostat: The gift of a smart thermostat has many benefits your loved one will enjoy. For starters, smart thermostats help equipment perform more efficiently; allowing people to save on energy bills and enjoy greater comfort. Smart thermostats also offer convenience, because often they can be monitored and changed from a Smartphone or computer. Some even learn your family’s habits and program themselves!

Maintenance Plan: Even though it sounds completely boring, a maintenance plan is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to your family and friends. Why? First of all, it will help them enjoy better comfort year-round. Secondly, it helps their equipment last longer and operate more efficiently. So, maintenance plans truly are gifts that keep on giving!

If you’d like to give the gift of home comfort to someone you love this holiday season, T.F. O’Brien can help. Just give us a call at 516.488.1800 and we’ll be happy to help.

Thanks For Helping Us Keep Long Island Warm This Winter!

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

This year, from October 1 through November 16, T.F. O’Brien held our very first winter coat drive to benefit the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. At T.F. O’Brien, we believe that everyone deserves to have a warm coat and other outerwear when the outdoor temperatures turn frigid. We are pleased to announce that we collected 250 coats, as well as various winter accessories. We are extremely grateful to all who donated, and look forward to making this an annual event.

Use All Your Spaces This Winter With Ductless Heating

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

When the warmer weather starts to change over to crisp days and colder nights, many homeowners close off areas of their home that don’t have the benefit of the home’s heating system. Spaces like converted attics, finished basements, additions and sunrooms often don’t have the needed ductwork to heat them during the winter months. The result? People usually close them off until warmer weather returns. But there’s an easy way to make your spaces without ducts usable, and perfectly climate-controlled, all winter long – ductless heating.

Ductless heating offers homeowners a way to keep areas of their home, where ductwork is impractical or impossible, comfortable – no matter what the weather is like outside. Unlike space heaters, which can be loud, obtrusive and even dangerous, ductless can mount on your wall or ceiling and offers complete comfort control of your space for you and your family. What’s more, ductless systems also offer cooling in the summer, so when you install one in a space in your home, you can comfortably use that area all year long.

Does ductless installation require a lot of time and construction?

Ductless systems are generally simple to install, and require minimal construction. In most cases, installation takes a day or two. All that’s required to connect the indoor and outdoor units is a small hole, usually no more than three inches in diameter. You can count on your T.F. O’Brien technician to have your ductless heating system up and running in no time. There’s very little mess, and no need for ductwork installation.

Besides being able to use your converted attic, finished basement, addition or sunroom year-round, you’ll also enjoy many additional benefits. Ductless systems are simple to use – you’ll be able to control room temperature at the touch of a button. Not to mention, ductless is highly energy efficient – much more than a space heater or window air conditioner. They blend seamlessly with your décor and offer quiet operation – all while delivering year-round comfort to your space.

Can T.F. O’Brien help me get the ductless system I need?

This winter, you don’t have to sacrifice space in your home just because it doesn’t have access to ductwork. You can enjoy year-round comfort by installing ductless heating and air conditioning from T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. You can trust our highly skilled technicians to provide you with courteous, professional services. Simply give us a call at 516.488.1800, and we’ll be glad to assist you.